BAY MINETE, Alabama -- The Baldwin County school system is now seeking applications from District 7 residents who wish to be considered to fill the board position being vacated by Tracy Roberts, who was elected to serve on the state school board.

Those living in her district – which includes Spanish Fort, Loxley and Silverhill – can apply. The deadline is Dec. 6.

“Basically, we’re looking for person of good reputation and high integrity,” said Baldwin County school board President Norm Moore, “a person who has experiences that are valuable to the process of deliberating and determining what is best for the children of Baldwin County."

School board members come from a variety of backgrounds, Moore said, adding that the board wants someone who can contribute some type of expertise to the school system.

District 7 was recently redrawn significantly, replacing Daphne and Montrose with Loxley and Silverhill.

The process for selecting the board will depend on how many people apply, Moore said.

If only about three or four applications come in, Moore said the board may be able to interview candidates on Dec. 12 and pick one as early as the Dec. 13 meeting. The board will decide what to do at its Dec. 11 work session.

More likely, Moore said, if there is great interest in the position, the board may interview candidates later on and select one in January.

Roberts’ retirement is effective Dec. 31.

“Getting the right person is more important than the speed in which we do it,” Moore said.